Yoga doesn’t just happen on the yoga mat. If you’re a yoga student, your practice goes with you during your commute, at the dinner table, and, yes, even when you’re waiting for the train. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and Voila! Yoga! In fact, if you just broaden your definition of yoga a bit, there’s a lot more yoga happening out on the streets than in yoga studios. I love seeing people practice in unconventional places.

As a yoga teacher, I can tell a lot about a person by watching their poses—their body’s strengths and weaknesses. But I still think I can tell more about the essence of the person when I run into them on the sidewalk. People’s personalities really shine through their choice of clothing, accessories, where they spend their time, and how they present themselves. Since yoga is really all about letting that essence, your authentic self, shine through into everything you do, I thought it would be fun to combine yoga, fashion, culture, and art.

Every month, we’ll feature one stunning fabulous photograph of a yoga student practicing in a place and wearing clothes that she feels represents her true essence.

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the project than with San Francisco yoga teacher Janet Stone. Urban chic meets feminine grace in her vinyasa classes in the legendary Castro District in San Francisco—a part of the city that’s a mecca for self-expression!

Come back often to see more inspiring yogis practicing yoga their way.

Oh, and we’re looking for fabulous, fashionable, yoga models who are interested in being a part of our project! All you need is an idea of how yoga helps you to express your essence and a willingness to be photographed doing your favorite pose. Email Faern at sohum.selfexpression@gmail.com if you’d like to participate!